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Mar 2020
Toddler Time: Maple Syrup
Explore the great outdoors alongside your child! For this session of the monthly series we will be learning about Maple Syrup. We will be doing a short introduction before heading out on a hike. This children’s nature program is geared for children who are 2-4 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Toddler Time happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather!
Find out more »Raptors of the River
Must be 4 years and older to attend! Spend your Saturday morning meeting some cool raptors. Raptology will present a program featuring two avian partners. You’ll learn about each bird, why they are in captivity, species traits and individual personalities as well as general information about raptors. Program will run 30-40 minutes with time after for more questions and a closer look at the birds. For the best interest of the birds the program is open to ages 4-adult. Please…
Find out more »Apr 2020
Toddler Time: What’s in the Woods?
Explore the great outdoors alongside your child! For this session of the monthly series we will be exploring what animals are in the woods. We will be doing a short introduction before heading out on a hike. This children’s nature program is geared for children who are 2-4 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Toddler Time happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the weather!
Find out more »Spring Birding
Meet Diane Porter and Therese Cummiskey for a great morning of birding. There will be plenty of spring migrants to spy. Don’t forget your binoculars! No registration required. This is an official Des Moines River Water Trails event cosponsored by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Jefferson County Conservation. The Des Moines River Water Trail is one of 19 official water trails in Iowa.
Find out more »May 2020
Toddler Time: What’s in the Wetland?
Explore the great outdoors alongside your child! For this session of the monthly series we will be exploring what’s in the wetland. We will be doing a short introduction before hiking to the wetland. Please have your child wear mud boots or shoes which can get dirty. This children’s nature program is geared for children who are 2-4 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Toddler Time happens rain or shine, so be sure to dress for the…
Find out more »Wild Edibles Hike
Forage in the forest and along the trails at Jefferson County Park! Naturalist, Kathy Dice will lead a leisurely hike as she points out several wild edibles, how to identify them, prepare them and explain a few with medicinal values. This is a free program and open to the public. No registration is required.
Find out more »Dutch Oven Cook-Off
Come to compete OR just to eat! Competing: Whether you’re a newcomer or have been Dutch oven cooking for most of your life, we hope you’ll join us for the 11th Annual Dutch Oven Cook-Off at Jefferson County Park! The goal of this event is to have fun, demonstrate Dutch oven cooking skills, and to amaze the public with the great food that comes out of cast iron. Once again we will have both novice and “well-seasoned” divisions. Novices will…
Find out more »Jun 2020
Insects of the Wetland
See what insects spend their time in the water! Entomologist Moni Hayne will be teaching participants about the insects they pull out of the wetland. Come prepared for a hands-on adventure! All ages are welcome for this free event!
Find out more »Caterpillar Camp
*Registration Opens April 1 June 9-12; 9:00-11:30am Pre-Registration Required- 4 & 5 Years Old Experience nature in a hands-on way this summer as your youngster explores our natural world! Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, crafts, and other hands on activities for youth who are 4 and 5 years old. Included in the camp fee of $35 are a snack and t-shirt. Camp will be limited to ten participants.
Find out more »Tadpole Camp
*Registration Opens April 1 June 16-19; 9:00am-12:00pm Pre-Registration Required-Entering 1st-2nd Grade Campers will explore the life cycle of various animals during the week. Camp features nature exploration, hiking, games, crafts, and other hands on activities. Included in the camp fee are a snack and t-shirt. Camp will be limited to twelve participants who are entering 1st-2nd Grade. Camp registration is $40.
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